Classification of Nutritional-Metabolic Support Means in Sports

Introduction

Sports nutrition today utilizes a wide range of tools for Nutritional and Metabolic Support (NMS). Unlike the more complex pharmacological classifications, modern NMS in sports is based more on clinical principles. The clinical-pharmacological classification includes the following nutrient groups: macronutrients, micronutrients, and pharmacological nutrients.

1. Substrates for Correcting Protein-Energy Deficiency

• Animal and plant proteins, their concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates. Protein blends. Protein formulas fortified with BCAAs.
• Fats and fatty acids (animal and plant fats, LCT, MCT, omega-3, -5, -6, -7, and -9 unsaturated fatty acids).
• Carbohydrates (fast and slow absorption).
• Ready-to-use solid and liquid protein-energy mixtures.

2. Hydrating and Rehydrating Formulas

• Electrolyte compositions.
• Carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks (hypotonic, isotonic, hypertonic).
• Electrolyte drinks with pharmacological nutrients (L-glutamine, L-carnitine, etc.).

3. Agents for Increasing Lean Body Mass and Muscle Strength and Power (Nutrabolics)

• Creatine monohydrate, creatine nitrate, creatine + protein.
• Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), HMB + protein.
• L-glutamine and its dipeptides for course-based use.
• Plant and animal proteolytic enzymes combined with proteins.
• High doses of ATP (400 mg) for course-based intake.

4. Endurance Enhancement

• Various forms of creatine monohydrate, creatine nitrate, creatine + carbohydrates, creatine + whey protein.
• Indirect nitric oxide donors: L-arginine and its derivatives, including arginine silicate inositol (ASI); L-arginine + L-citrulline.
• Direct nitric oxide donors: beetroot and amaranth juices and extracts.
• Various origin polyphenols.
• L-carnitine and its combinations with other endurance stimulators.
• L-alanyl-L-glutamine in electrolyte drinks.
• Keto analogues of BCAAs (BCAA keto analogues) alone and in combination with essential amino acids.
• Caffeine alone and in energy drinks.
• Beta-alanine (BA), BA + sodium bicarbonate.
• Astaxanthin.

5. Neuroprotectors and Neurostimulators

• Choline derivatives (citicoline, alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine).
• Phosphatidylserine.
• L-alanyl-L-glutamine.
• Creatine monohydrate.
• Vitamin D supplements (for deficiency or insufficiency).
• Animal-sourced omega-3 PUFAs (fish and seafood).
• Caffeine.

6. Agents for Preventing Micro-Damage (EIMD) and Delayed Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

• Creatine monohydrate, creatine nitrate.
• HMB, HMB + creatine.
• Plant proteolytic enzymes (bromelain, papain).
• Polyphenols.
• Direct nitric oxide donors.
• BCAAs.
• L-carnitine.

7. Immunity Boosting Agents

• Carbohydrates (balanced carbohydrate diet).
• Vitamin D3 (for deficiency or insufficiency).
• Animal-sourced omega-3 PUFAs (fish and seafood).
• L-alanyl-L-glutamine + maltodextrin.
• Probiotics.

8. Agents for Improving Joint and Ligament Function

• Complex compositions: collagen hydrolysate peptides + glucosamine + chondroitin + methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

9. Weight Control and Blood Lipid Profile Management

• Animal-sourced omega-3 PUFAs (fish and seafood).
• L-carnitine.
• Omega-5 fatty acids and complex preparations based on pomegranate (Punica granatum).
• Omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid).